tastes like memories
About Chocolate Moose Location:Ely, Minnesota Status:Permanently closed Dates active:1985-2024 The Chocolate Moose in Ely, Minnesota, was a beloved eatery located at the ‘end of the road’ since the 1980s. This prominent location at the corner of Sheridan and Central, was where locals and visitors alike grabbed wholesome, homemade eats before […]
About Northwest Airlines Northwest Airways, the precursor to Northwest Airlines, took its inaugural flight on October 1, 1926. Founded by Col. Lewis Brittin, the airline was initially a mail hauler from the Twin Cities to Chicago for the U.S. Post Office Department, based at Speedway Flying Field (Now Minneapolis-Saint Paul […]
About the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Location:Chaska, Minnesota Status:Open Dates active:1958-present In 1907, the Minnesota Horticultural Society successfully petitioned the University of Minnesota to establish a new fruit-breeding and testing farm within the Horticulture Department. The farm was located about 5 miles west of Excelsior, spanning 78 acres. Additional land was […]
About Donatelle’s Supper Club Location:Mounds View, Minnesota Status:Permanently closed Dates active:1966-1998 The Irondale Inn began as a roadhouse serving burgers, steaks, and ribs before co-owner Tony Donatelle introduced a Wednesday night Italian Smorgasbord in the 1950s. For $2.25, guests enjoyed an all-you-can-eat feast of Italian appetizers, handmade pastas with various […]
Cassidy’s Gold Pine Motor Inn and Restaurant opened in April 1964 off of the Hinckley exit on the newly constructed Interstate 35. The section of I-35 from Hinckley to Sandstone was the first segment of freeway that replaced the old road into Duluth and up the north shore. Sadly, the restaurant closed in 2020 after 50 years of ownership by the Welcher family.
In the heart of Saint Paul, at the corner of Fifth and St. Peter streets, a building has witnessed the evolution of the Twin Cities for more than a century. This historic corner has been home to the St. Paul Hotel since 1910, and its dining room continues to be a beacon of elegance downtown.
The Parker House in Mendota, Minnesota, opened in the late 1930s as a bar and gambling hall, attracting soldiers from nearby Fort Snelling. After jazz pianist William “Red” Dougherty took over in 1943, he replaced gambling with live music, featuring renowned musicians. The venue became known for fine dining and entertainment but closed in 1993. Linda Young and Charlie Burrows later opened Axel’s River Grille at the site, continuing its legacy. Axel’s found success but closed in 2024.
About Dayton’s Sky Room Location:Minneapolis, Minnesota Status:Permanently closed Dates active:1947-2017 The Dayton’s building in downtown Minneapolis was built in 1902 and initially housed Goodfellow’s Department Store. In 1903, George Draper Dayton opened Dayton’s Dry Goods Company in the space. Fast forward to 1947 when it was common for department stores […]
When Prohibition ended in 1933, the Pickwick pulled the first stein of real beer in town since Duluth went dry in 1917. Since then, the Pickwick has gained a reputation for great food in addition to their beer selection. This goulash recipe made its debut on the menu in the 1970s.